Medication reconciliation standard operating protocols (SOPs)

The medication reconciliation SOP addresses the prevention of medication errors resulting from incomplete or miscommunicated information at points of transition during patient care.

The SOP uses a systematic process to obtain a best possible medication history (BPMH), which is an accurate and complete list of all medications taken before admission to hospital. The process aligns with current Australian policy and practice (SHPA Standards of Practice for Clinical Pharmacy Services Chapter 1: Medication reconciliation).

Selected health services in Australia implemented the SOP and evaluated improvements over five years from January 2010. The SOP:

Improved the quality of medication histories obtained

Improved resolution of medication discrepancies

Raised awareness about medication safety

Was effective in minimising potential medication errors when older patients were admitted to hospital.